Funding boost for lighthouse redevelopment

Regional Development Minister Terry Redman has announced $1.5 million of Royalties for Regions funding will go towards the redevelopment of the Cape Leeuwin and Cape Naturaliste lighthouse precincts.

Mr Redman said the Capes attracted about 150,000 visitors a year and the redevelopment would dramatically improve the lighthouse facilities.

The funding will be split between the two sites In Augusta and Dunsborough with a café, playground and lookout to be included.

“On top of the investments in regional events, tourism marketing and infrastructure like the Busselton-Margaret River Regional Airport; Margaret River Perimeter Road; and Augusta Boat Harbour, the lighthouse project is another example of how Royalties for Regions is supporting tourism in the South West,” Mr Redman said.

The Margaret River-Busselton Tourism Association has also committed $500,000 in cash and in kind towards the project, and chief executive Pip Close expected the redevelopment would create nine extra jobs at the lighthouses and 51 throughout the region through an increase of about 95,000 visitors.